Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant Virtual Museum
 
 
 
 
  The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, or the "A-Plant" as the locals refer to it, was constructed by the United States Atomic Energy Commission to provide enriched uranium for the nation’s nuclear defense system and later for use in commercial nuclear power reactors. The plant enriched uranium from 1954 until 2001. This website is designed to provide a detailed historical description of the site with information, anecdotal information from employees and retirees, photos and video. Additional interviews are included with local citizens to provide insight into the local impact of the plant during construction and operation.

Learn More

Take a Look Inside the Plant

Using our interactive map, you can locate individual buildings within the plant and learn more about its purpose throughout history. Clicking on a building will bring you in-depth information, photos, and videos.

Take a Look Inside the Plant
 
 
The National Historic Preservation Act's Role in PORTS Activities

With passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966 (NHPA), Congress made the Federal Government a full partner and a leader in historic preservation. While Congress recognized that national goals for historic preservation could best be achieved by supporting the drive, enthusiasm, and wishes of local citizens and communities, it understood that the Federal Government must set an example through enlightened policies and practices. As a part of its commitment, DOE has established this website and plans to take additional measures in the future, depending upon the needs of our clean-up program. Check this website, this link, and the Community Involvement link for updates on how to review information, become involved, and foster meaningful interpretation of the site’s history. learn more
 
 
 
Community Involvement, Clean-up & Future Use

Community InvolvementThe U.S. Department of Energy seeks input from local stakeholders including plant neighbors, interested members of the public, and elected officials.

DOE provides a number of ways in which members of the public can learn more about the Portsmouth site and participate in the decisions that will help guide its future. Community involvement can be achieved through the use of the DOE’s informational reading room, attendance at regular public meetings, and participation in the Ports Site Specific Advisory Board (SSAB). learn more
 

Since 1952, the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant has played an integral role in the national and energy security of the United States of America.
Learn More 2
 
 
 
Portsmouth Virtual Museum

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) clean-up process is underway at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) and some of the support buildings have already been removed from the site. DOE is currently considering the demolition of the remaining structures including the gaseous diffusion process buildings and remaining support facilities through a project called Decontamination and Decommissioning (D&D). This website assists in preserving the history of the plant. Informational artifacts such as data, photos, films, videos and first-hand anecdotal accounts will be added to this site on a regular basis as D&D continues.
   
  Photo Vault

See photographs from the plant’s construction in the 1950s through operations currently taking place today.

Historical Photos
 
   
  Film/Video Vault

View The Portsmouth Story, a documentary on the construction of the plant as well as modern video clips of the facility and interviews with plant employees and retirees.

Historical Videos
 
   
  Get Involved

Join our mailing list today and we'll send updates about this website to your email. This may include new videos, building information, and more.

Email Address: 
 
 
 
HOME|HISTORY|PHOTOS|VIDEOS|LOCAL IMPACT|NEWS ARCHIVE|SOURCES|CONTACT US

PortsVirtualMuseum.org is operated and managed by Fluor-B&W Portsmouth for DOE

Site designed and maintained by Westside Media